A VIRAL photo has prompted authorities to urge Muslim motorists against performing prayers in the emergency lane of the nation's highways.
The image, which went viral on social media platforms yesterday, shows highway users performing Subuh prayers in the emergency lane of Km32 of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway.
At least three people are seen praying on the road between parked cars, as heavy traffic snakes along behind them. The slow-moving traffic was part of the 'balik kampung' rush ahead of the Hari Raya Aidiladha holiday, last week.
In response to the image, Anih Berhad, the concessionaire of the KLK and East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1), issued a statement advising motorists against risking their safety.
"We really appreciate the patience of KLK Highway users and also the obedience of Muslims to perform prayers while on their way to the East Coast during the festive season and public holidays.
"However, as the operator of the KLK Highway, we also request patience and due diligence from road users so as not to perform prayers on the emergency lane due to safety factors," it said.
Anih Berhad reminded road users that stopping in emergency lanes could trigger accidents; and advised them to make stopovers at Rest and Service areas (R&R) along the LPT1 and KLK during their journey.